Top Online Fintech
Courses in 2021
One of the most efficient and flexible ways to pick up new skills is by enrolling in an online course. However, finding credible information can be challenging, as the Internet can be a confusing place. To combat this issue, we’ve put together a list featuring the best fintech courses online.
Fintech online courses typically cover technology that could improve the delivery of services in the financial sector. Real-world applications of fintech-related innovations are in demand, so enrolling in an online fintech course will make you more marketable in a highly competitive industry.
What Is Fintech?
Fintech is an abbreviation for finance and technology. It refers to the application of technology to financial services. A company uses fintech to improve its overall delivery of services to clients.
Why Study Fintech?
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You should study fintech if you want to become a financial analyst. These professionals work in several places, including government agencies, wealth management departments, banks, and even fintech firms.
You are likely to get a job in the rapidly evolving world of fintech. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the job market for financial analysts will grow by five percent over the next decade. You can also expect to earn a higher-than-average salary, as financial analysts make an average of $83,660 per year.
What Do Fintech Courses Cover?
Fintech courses vary depending on the course provider and a student’s level of experience.
With that said, a typical fintech course should teach you about how financial institutions are keeping up with the times and adapting to customers’ changing needs. You will also learn about the dynamic nature of the financial sector and how financial technologies can shape the future of both finance and business.
Overview of the Best Online Fintech Courses in 2021
There are many courses that teach fintech skills, but some extend beyond what the typical class offers. For this reason, we’ve compiled a diverse list of the best online fintech courses.
| Provider and Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursera | Copenhagen Business School FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services |
$59 per month or $49 – $79 per course |
19 Hours | Yes |
| Coursera | Duke University Blockchain Applications Certificate |
$59 per month or $49 – $79 per course |
3 – 4 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology FinTech: Finance Industry Transformation and Regulation |
$59 per month or $49 – $79 per course |
5 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | INSEAD Blockchain Revolution in Financial Services |
$59 per month or $49 – $79 per course |
5 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | Wharton Online FinTech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations |
$59 per month or $49 – $79 per course |
4 Weeks | Yes |
| edX | ACCA Machine Learning with Python for Finance Professionals |
Free | 5 Weeks | Yes, for $199 |
| edX | IMF Financial Development and Financial Inclusion |
Free | 7 Weeks | Yes, for $25 |
| edX | The University of Hong Kong Introduction to FinTech |
Free | 6 Weeks | Yes, for $199 |
| edX | The University of Texas at Austin Fintech: The Future of Finance Professional Certificate |
$3,100 | 4 Months | Yes |
| Harvard Business School Online Leading with Finance |
$1,600 | 6 Weeks | Yes |
Top Fintech Courses of 2021
Top fintech courses should equip you with knowledge of financial principles and techniques to understand markets and make more effective business decisions. Some of the courses listed here are professional certification courses, while others are introductory courses.
FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services by Copenhagen Business School (Coursera)
Although it is located in Denmark, Copenhagen Business School has several business-related courses in English that are available online.
This course is ideal for beginners looking to start their careers in fintech. In just 19 hours, you can learn about fintech essentials, money and payments, payment systems, lending, and crowdfunding. Upon completion of this course, you will be awarded a shareable certificate.
Blockchain Applications Certificate by Duke University (Coursera)
Duke is one of the top universities in the United States, according to US News. A certificate from such a reputable university could kickstart your career. You can even convert this certificate into academic credits for a master’s program at Duke.
In addition to blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, you will learn about machine learning, cryptography, and secure software development in about four months. This course is ideal for beginners, as it starts by introducing the fundamentals.
FinTech: Finance Industry Transformation and Regulation by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Coursera)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a leading education and research center based in Asia. However, through this school’s partnership with Coursera, you can take this course online at your own pace.
It is worth noting that this course is ideal for finance professionals who are looking to develop a broader understanding of fintech. You’ll learn fintech risk management, disruptive innovations in fintech and their implications, and fintech security and regulation.
Blockchain Revolution in Financial Services by INSEAD (Coursera)
According to official rankings by the Financial Times, INSEAD has the best MBA program in the world. Although INSEAD is based in France, this school has partnered with Coursera to offer Blockchain Revolution in Financial Services online.
After enrolling in this specialization, you will go through a series of lessons that will sharpen your blockchain skills. You will learn several blockchain design principles, challenges facing blockchain implementation, and blockchain applications in the financial sector.
FinTech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations by Wharton Online (Coursera)
According to Coursera’s official website, over 25,000 students have enrolled in this program. This course will teach you more about modern-day investment strategies that utilize fintech. You’ll learn fintech skills like risk aversion, market attitudes toward finance, and regulations.
Machine Learning with Python for Finance Professionals by ACCA (edX)
ACCA is an internationally recognized accountancy body. Enrolling in a course certificate program from ACCA is a great way to launch your career in accounting, finance, and technology.
This course is split into three main skill-building sub-courses. They include machine learning with Python, management of cyber threats, and robotic processes for finance.
Financial Development and Financial Inclusion by IMF (edX)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international body dedicated to fostering trade, global monetary cooperation, and financial stability. The IMF developed this course in conjunction with the European Investment Bank.
The course runs for about seven weeks. During this time, you’ll learn how to read indicators that influence financial development and inclusion. You’ll also explore the best policies and strategies to encourage financial development through technology.
Introduction to FinTech by The University of Hong Kong (edX)
The University of Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading research institutions. Students who complete this free online course can receive a shareable certificate for an extra fee, which can be used on their data analyst resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
You can study at your own pace as you learn about money, payment, digital finance, and the fundamentals of data and security in data-oriented finance.
Fintech: The Future of Finance Professional Certificate by The University of Texas at Austin (edX)
Professional certificate programs are designed to validate an individual’s skills in a given field. This course is split into four skill-building sub-courses, all of them designed to propel your career with verified certificates.
These sub-courses include an overview of the fintech sector, blockchain technology for business and finance, artificial intelligence and machine learning in the financial industry, and APIs in the financial industry.
Leading with Finance by Harvard Business School Online
Harvard Business School offers an immersive way to pick up business skills, including finance and technology. The school utilizes real challenges faced by professionals in the world of corporate finance and investment management.
The course is finance-oriented with subtle technological influences. Among other things, you’ll learn about financial performance, innovation in finance, the value of project pitches, and developing financial intuition.
Choosing the Right Course
Finding the right course is a daunting task for many reasons. For one, there are many online courses available, and scrolling through each one is time-consuming.
It’s best to have a checklist when looking for the right course. Below are some factors to consider when deciding what course to take.
Course Requirements
Before settling on a particular online fintech course, it would be best to find out the course requirements. For instance, one course might require students to have a strong background in programming languages, while another might simply require students to have a computer with a good Internet connection.
Cost of the Program
It is important to find a course that is worth it to you, considering the depth of your fintech-related aspirations. The last thing you’d want is to have to drop out because you can’t afford it.
Quality of Education
You should check whether the course or the institution offering the course is accredited. Employers prefer hiring candidates with certificates from accredited institutions. Make sure the relevant professional organizations recognize the course you choose.
Next Steps After Your Course
After your course, you could search for a related job, enroll in a graduate course at a university, gain experience through an internship, or become a freelancer and set up your own business. Below is an overview of some steps you could take.
Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program
Most employers in this field prefer hiring candidates with bachelor’s degrees in a related field, so it would be beneficial to find the best fintech or business analytics bachelor’s degree programs if you want to improve your career prospects.
Seek to Make Professional Connections
Networking is the process of making professional connections. It increases the number of professionals who know you.
After completing your course, you should start making professional connections to improve your career outlook. One way to achieve this is by attending fintech-related events. Here, you’ll meet professionals who could be the key to lucrative career opportunities in the future.
Join Fintech Communities and Forums
Fintech communities and forums provide opportunities for professionals to share information about work in a safe space. By joining them, you can learn more about fintech and the trends in this field.
Should You Study Fintech?
You should study fintech, especially if you are interested in the field. Advances in fintech have shown efficient ways to handle money, businesses, and customers. By mastering fintech information and skills, you will be well-equipped for job opportunities in the rapidly growing tech industry.
